Spaniens Schönheit in ihrer Handfläche

In the summer of 2018, Maja decided to spend her holidays in Spain. Here’s what her experience was like:

I first found out about the cultural exchange program with Spain while attending English classes at the Center for Affirmation and Development in Banja Luka. The concept immediately intrigued me—living with a Spanish family and immersing myself in their culture sounded like an amazing opportunity. I decided to apply, and looking back now, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I was lucky to be placed with a truly wonderful family who supported me from the start and went out of their way to make me feel at home. The Spanish people, in general, completely won me over with their warmth and willingness to help in any situation, even when we didn’t speak the same language. Spain is a beautiful country full of possibilities. I was based in Madrid, a stunning city with fantastic connections to other destinations, which made it super easy to plan weekend getaways.

It was also incredibly easy to connect with other exchange participants, which made my free time all the more fun and meaningful. I genuinely loved every bit of my time there—the landscapes, the people, the food. Paella quickly became one of my favorite meals, and I can’t wait to try making natillas myself soon.

Spending time with the children was also a special part of the experience. Sure, it wasn’t always easy, but seeing your effort pay off is such a rewarding feeling. Kids have a lot to teach us, too—especially how to let loose and have fun.

The daily check-ins and support from the team at the Center for Affirmation and Development meant a lot to me. Their patience and guidance throughout the application process made everything easier and more reassuring.

Joining this kind of cultural exchange program is an incredible way to truly get to know a country’s culture, improve your language skills (both Spanish and English!), and meet people from all over the world. But more than anything, it’s an opportunity for personal growth. You get to discover new sides of yourself, test your limits, and come home richer in experience and confidence.

If you love kids, traveling, and adventure—trust me, this is something you won’t regret.